Victoria is rolling out two big cost-of-living measures today
Melbourne commuters have been enjoying a completely free public transport system since March, but that all changes today.
The free public transport period is officially over, today replaced with 20 per cent off vehicle registration and half-price public transport both taking effect from 1 June.
The Victorian government’s rego rebate covers light vehicles registered for personal use, think cars, utes, motorbikes and anything under 4.5 tonnes. Drivers with one vehicle can claim back up to $186, while households with two registered vehicles could pocket up to $372.
The rebate is available for vehicles where rego was paid between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, and you can claim for up to two vehicles in your name. Applications opened at 9am today and close 31 July 2026, so there’s a two-month window to get it sorted.
To claim, you’ll need to log into or create a Service Victoria account and have your registration number, full name, Victorian driver’s licence or VicRoads customer number, and bank details on hand.
Payments go out via direct bank transfer, with most landing within 30 days. Whether you pay rego in full or in instalments, you’ll still get the full rebate.
Rego rebate and half-price public transport in Melbourne
- Applications open 1 June, close 31 July 2026
- Rebate available via the Service Victoria app or service.vic.gov.au/rego-rebate
- Up to $186 back per vehicle, up to two vehicles per person
- Half-price fares apply automatically when you touch on, no forms required
- Full daily fare drops from $11.40 to $5.70, valid until 31 December 2026
- Public transport remains free for under 18s and special pass holders
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
On the public transport side, half-price fares are also live today and run until the end of the year.
A full daily fare now sits at $5.70 to travel anywhere across the state, down from $11.40. For regular commuters, that’s a saving of more than $850 between now and 1 January next year.
The discount applies automatically when you touch on, so no paperwork, no portal, just tap and go.
The measures come as fuel prices have risen in recent months, with the Victorian government citing cost pressures on families as the driving force behind both announcements.
The rego rebate and PT discount are separate from the existing free travel for under 18s and special pass holders, which continues permanently.
For more information, head here.
